International conference to host fringe event in Armagh
The Market Place Theatre Armagh will host an innovative Digital Lab event on Friday 26 October as part of the international ‘Build Peace’ conference in Belfast.
The ‘Peacetech 101 Digital Lab’ event offers a hands-on introduction to the use of innovative technologies in supporting local resilience and the emerging ‘peacetech’ sector.
The fringe event is aimed at those working in the public, private and voluntary sectors with an interest in how new innovative technologies can support and strengthen community development, peacebuilding and economic development in Armagh.
Participants will be introduced to the role of new technology in peacebuilding and economic development and will explore practical examples from around the world.
This unique training event is supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. It is free and open to the public and is part of the larger ‘Build Peace’ conference coming to Ulster University Belfast campus between 29 and 31 October.
The conference brings together practitioners, activists, academics, policy makers, artists and technologists from across the world to share experiences and ideas on using technology, arts and other innovations for peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
Councillor Julie Flaherty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon said:
“The Peacetech 101 Digital Lab fringe event taking place in Armagh is an extremely welcome addition to the events which are taking place as part of the Build Peace International Conference in Ulster University, Belfast.
“The role of technology in peacebuilding, the community and the economy cannot be overstated. I am thrilled to welcome the fringe event to Armagh which will enable participants to gain valuable experience and bring new skills into the wider community.”
Aaron Taylor, Digital Ambassador for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said:
“Part of my remit is to bring the digital capabilities of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area into sharper focus and the Peaceteach 101 Digital Lab provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience of how they can help to drive the local digital economy forward.
“With digital technology changing at a rapid pace, it is important to be trained and ready to keep up with developments. This workshop will help the local digital economy to thrive by ensuring that participants are trained and skilled in the most up-to-date developments, especially in the context of community development and peacebuilding.
“Armagh is the perfect setting to explore these issues and provides the perfect backdrop for the Digital Lab.”
Michaela Ledesma, co-founder and co-director of Build Up added:
“Peacebuilding requires innovation and the Peacetech 101 Digital Lab taking place in Armagh, thanks to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, brings an important opportunity to explore and understand how technology, peacebuilding and economic development can be used together to produce innovative ideas and solutions.”
“Build Up is proud to convene the Build Peace conference. It is an exciting time, with Belfast being the first location in the UK to secure the conference. This will see peacebuilders, activists, artists and technologists from more than 60 different countries come to Northern Ireland.”
Tickets for the Peacetech 101 Digital Lab fringe event in the Market Place Theatre Armagh on the 26 October 2018 from 11.00am – 12.30pm are free, and places can be booked by visiting https://getinvited.to/cdpb/peacetech101/.
